Quantum Matter Initiative

Quantum matter research is a fast-growing field at the nexus of converging fields including condensed matter physics, quantum information, quantum gravity, and string theory. The Quantum Matter Initiative at Perimeter Institute aims to bring together leading researchers in these areas for collaborative research into major open questions.

Research is accelerating in fields related to quantum matter, and it is apparent that an interdisciplinary approach holds the greatest promise of important discoveries. The prediction and realization of topological phases of matter has led to fruitful interactions between condensed matter and high energy theorists. Similarly, very recent developments that linked quantum error correction, holography, and quantum gravity have led to exciting collaborations between string theorists and quantum information theorists.

But large open questions remain. Researchers are currently investigating: topological phases of matter in three dimensions; classification of gapless phases of matter and determining infrared properties of interacting CFTs in 3D and higher dimensions; strongly interacting many-body systems relevant to materials such as high-Tc superconductors; bulk locality emergence from quantum entanglement; the growth of the Einstein-Rosen wormhole and its manifestation in complexity; and how nature hides quantum information via quantum entanglement.

A decade ago, such a list would have been dismissed as a medley assortment with seemingly no relation. The surprise – and the biggest source of excitement – is that these problems are actually closely related and will benefit significantly from the exchange of techniques and insights from different backgrounds.

Due to the highly interdisciplinary and fundamental nature of these endeavors, Perimeter Institute is in an ideal position to become a leading centre for foundational theoretical research in quantum matter.

The Quantum Matter Initiative will bring together top faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students in a collaborative environment designed to foster research and breakthroughs.

Research areas include:

Topological phases of matter

Critical phases of matter and exotic quantum critical points

State-of-the-art numerical and analytic approaches to the many-body problem

Application of modern information and complexity theory to quantum many-body physics